Act promotes early detection and treatment of lung cancer in vulnerable populations

(Alexandria, Va.) The Prevent Cancer Foundation has endorsed the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2011 (S.752/H.R. 1394) which has the potential to reduce the incidence and mortality of lung cancer nationwide. The Act, sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Rep. Donna Christensen (D-VI), calls for coordination of the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive research plan addressing all aspects of lung cancer prevention, early detection and treatment as well as create programs to combat lung cancer. Lung Cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the U.S.

“The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is a positive and proactive approach to improving our commitment to lung cancer prevention. If enacted, the bill would coordinate federal health agencies, provide new resources, support early detection and treatment and create the much-needed Lung Cancer Early Detection Program to help address lung cancer in vulnerable populations,” said Carolyn Aldigé. “Providing access to prevention and early detection to veterans, minorities and underserved communities who are at-risk for lung cancer is crucial. Early detection is key to increasing the rate of survival.”

The establishment of the Lung Cancer Early Detection program could provide the needed infrastructure, resources and routine preventive measures that would lead to early diagnosis of lung cancer. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 15%, a number which has seen little improvement in decades. One reason often cited for the grim statistic is a high rate of late-stage diagnosis. Even though lung cancer is by far the deadliest cancer, it receives proportionally less funding than the next four leading cancer killers.

Through the establishment of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, many Americans’ lives can be saved, costs can be cut and overall cancer mortality can and will be reduced. We are pleased to join the bill’s sponsors and other members of the public health community to support this legislation.

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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org